As a Disney company, Pixar often faces the expectation to follow a formulaic approach to children’s films. Typically, the main character joins a little adventure, sings a few songs, and magically achieves their dreams. However, Monsters University defies these conventions with its refreshingly realistic story, imparting a profound lesson to kids:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, dreams may not come true, and that’s okay.
A Quick Recap
Feeling nostalgic? It’s hard to believe, but Monsters University was released 11 years ago. Let’s revisit the plot. The film follows Mike Wazowski, who aspires to become a top Scarer after being inspired by a childhood visit to Monsters, Inc. Despite his small size and lack of natural scare factor, Mike dedicates himself to his studies, believing that hard work and knowledge will compensate for his perceived shortcomings. His determination drives him to overcome every obstacle, even as others doubt his potential.
The Unexpected Twist
The climax of the Scare Games seems like a triumphant moment: Mike wins, the crowd cheers, and his dream appears to come true. But then, the story takes a surprising turn—Mike’s victory was tainted by Sully’s cheating. This revelation undermines the central theme of Mike’s journey to prove his scarer capabilities despite not fitting the typical mold.
The Anti-Climax
To reclaim his worth, Mike ventures into the human world, aiming to scare real humans. This anti-climax scene is executed brilliantly: sudden, dramatic, and intense. The writing shines here, capturing the audience’s attention.
“They Weren’t Scared Of Me…”
The scene escalates further when Mike’s attempts to scare children prove futile. Instead of fear, the children’s curiosity leads them to approach him. When Sully finds Mike by the lake, a poignant dialogue unfolds. Mike realizes that hard work alone doesn’t guarantee dreams coming true. Sully also confesses that the pressure to meet expectations drove him to cheat. This moment crystallizes their bond and highlights the film’s masterful storytelling.
“You’re Not Scary But You’re Fearless”
The next morning, after their expulsion from Monsters University, Mike and Sully have another impactful conversation. Sully tells Mike, “You’re not scary, but you’re fearless.” This dialogue emphasizes that while Mike may not fit the traditional scare mold, he possesses invaluable qualities like leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking. These traits prove more significant than simply being scary in the scare industry.
The film concludes with Mike and Sully starting from scratch as mailmen at Monsters Inc., eventually rising to become top scarer duos. This ending is particularly satisfying, illustrating their journey from humble beginnings to success.
Conclusion
In life, dreams may not always come to fruition despite our hard work and desire. When faced with such realities, it’s crucial to recognize our other potential and find new paths to success. Pixar’s Monsters University teaches children that it’s okay to start over and pursue new dreams. This lesson resonates deeply, reminding us all that even when dreams don’t materialize, there is always room to discover new aspirations and thrive.
